[goodvibes]

Quote:

I've watched the promo video of the Sony BAs like a million times and looking at the details Sony released for the XB-4, I have a feeling that the EX1000 is still slightly better and more audiophile oriented. But that's just me judging from what accessories they provide (no extra cable, fewer tips). So I guess it's targeted at the richer consumer audience much like the W3.
 
Still I think I'll definitely try or buy the XB-4 soon after its release!  
 
Edit: Comparison between EX1000 and XB-4
 
 

Wow. 8 ohms for the quad. 12 for the triple is more reasonable but these are low impedance.
 

 

[snakeeater69]

It might just be me but it seems like the quality of the XB-4 is no where near the quality of the EX1000.

 

[tuahogary]

Still to early to say really. The EX1000 while made of very high quality materials has some build quality problems like the imminent fading of the labels on the earpiece. I think Sony believes that the EX1000 is still their flagship, another clue is the frequency response. I know it means nothing but if you go up their product line the FR gets wider and wider. The EX1000 has slightly wider FR than the XB-4 and both of them wider than any other Sony IEMs. 
 
This is just an observation of course, the only real way to tell is to listen to the XB-4 and who knows it might really surprise me 

 
 
 
Quote:

Wow. 8 ohms for the quad. 12 for the triple is more reasonable but these are low impedance.

 
Yes. I might have to set my volume at "1" for these! 

 

[ahmadmfz]

i love my JH5 i love my JH5 i love my jh5 i love my JH5 i love my JH5 i love my jh5 i love my JH5 i love my JH5 i love my jh5 i love my JH5 i love my JH5 i love my jh5 i love my JH5 i love my JH5 i love my jh5 i love my JH5 i love my JH5 i love my jh5 i love my JH5 i love my JH5 i love my jh5 i love my JH5 i love my JH5 i love my jh5 i love my JH5 i love my JH5 i love my jh5 i love my JH5 i love my JH5 i love my jh5 i love my JH5 i love my JH5 i love my jh5 i love my JH5 i love my JH5 i love my jh5 i love my JH5 i love my JH5 i love my jh5 i love my JH5 i love my JH5 i love my jh5 i love my JH5 i love my JH5 i love my jh5 i love my JH5 i love my JH5 i love my jh5 i love my JH5 i love my JH5 i love my jh5.

Must. Not. Be. Tempted. Too. Much. Poison.

 

[kxx7]

very cool

 

[kostalex]

Well, guys. I am going to make a smart move. I will try to arrange a deal with my familiar Sony real-fanboy adherent dealer and get all 11 models for review.

 

[kckc]

Can you also find out information on when they will be released? 

 

[kiteki]

 
Quote:

Well, guys. I am going to make a smart move. I will try to arrange a deal with my familiar Sony real-fanboy adherent dealer and get all 11 models for review.

Superb idea can't wait to read your "Winning 11 - Sony IEM world-cup"
 
 

 

[Tronz]

According to the XBA-4's description, the frequency response is from 3hz to 28,000hz. When did balanced armatures reach 28,000hz? I call BS.

 

[HungryDaze]

Quote:

Can you also find out information on when they will be released? 

According to the press release, in november.

 

[kiteki]

 
To be fair they are brand new balanced armatures made in Japan by the most pioneering audio company other than pioneer.
 
 
 

 

[Sylafari]

Must resist....
Oh wait, no replaceable cables? Nevermind 

 

[kiteki]

 
I wonder what the thought process is behind 8 ohms?
 
These are going to have interesting source synergy.
 
 

 

[i2ehan]

Quote:

I wonder what the thought process is behind 8 ohms?
 
These are going to have interesting source synergy.

Sony walkman series players and mobile phones, I presume. Easily driven, on the go.

 

[kiteki]

According to Shigzeo he thought 16 ohm stuff sounded bad on the Cowon S9 and I agree with him.
 
According to NwAvGuy some amplifiers will have a really hard time driving 16 ohm, but they can on the other hand drive 50 ohm fine.
 
 
I've never heard of a headphone or IEM having 8 ohms, that's reserved exclusively for speakers, until now.
 
 
I'm not an expert, but expect some interesting source synergy and some people complaining about the bass response.